What’s the process?

It starts with an initial chat about what you’re looking for. I offer a free no-obligation consultation and I suggest that you bring as much info to this as you can. Inspiration pictures on Pinterest or from books or Instagram are great places to start. I’ll ask you about what you like best about all your references and we’ll talk about your budget and about the different options you have within it.

After that we’ll meet up to look at fabric samples, work out the design and do your measurements. I do a lot of measurements and this can feel intimidating if you aren’t used to it. Try not to worry. It’s all confidential, and it’s just the tool I use to get the best fit for you.

When you’ve chosen your fabric and we’ve decided on a design, I’ll get you to sign a contract and I require a 50% deposit. This covers me for the time spent on the initial pattern, outlay for fabric, and first fittings.

I like to work closely and collaboratively with clients. I send lots of pictures, invite zoom chats and encourage you to voice any ideas that you have a long the way.

For gowns I recommend at least three fittings. The first is a toile fitting, where we try on and make adjustments to a mock-up garment. I make this in fabric that we can draw on, pin to etc. so you can decide exactly how you want things to be.

The second fitting is of the unfinished garment in the actual fabric. The more fittings we can have the better, but I always understand the constraints of time and budget.

A final fitting is where we will set the final length and all finishing details. For gowns, I ask that you have your shoes and bra or undergarment ready so that we can get everything just right.

Final payment is due before collection or delivery of the garment.